Suspension, Brakes and Tires Discussion, 91 SDV brake upgrade (with pics) in Item Specific Cadillac Discussion; I did this quite a while ago but I don't post on CO often anymore because there's too much BS, ...

91 SDV brake upgrade (with pics)

I did this quite a while ago but I don't post on CO often anymore because there's too much BS, but I thought I would share. I did this modification because I race my car, and felt it was worth it. I wouldn't recommend every DeVille owner go out and do this.

Most of the parts for the conversion. I reused NO OEM brake lines, completely custom.

The ABS module shortly before I ripped it out.

The ABS module and a bunch of old lines shortly after I ripped them out.

SBS Pro-Touring pads on the calipers. I highly, HIGHLY recommend these pads.

JEG's adjustable proportioning valve, used to adjust the front/rear bias of the brakes manually. Mounted in the trunk.
(If you aren't aware of how to set your brakes up, please do not try to install one of these)

The Bendix shoes ended up being the wrong part, so they were taken back and better shoes were purchased in their place. All in all, for a new master cylinder, new lines, fittings, pads, shoes, drum hardware, hoses, rotors, the prop valve, and tools to put it all in, I spent about $500, and then spent 4 days putting it all in.

Re: 91 SDV brake upgrade (with pics)

It's all relative. I completely replaced every component except for the calipers and the brake booster (both were in good shape), using upgraded components in every possible place. All of my lines are shorter runs than factory because of the lack of an ABS module, and I use one line to the rear of the car that goes into the proportioning valve and a splitter valve to run lines to both rear wheels.

Now, understand that the DeVille's brakes are quite good stock. They're very tough to fade thanks to the huge rotors, and stopping power is good, given you're running decent pads and shoes. With my setup now the brakes are totally fade-proof (thanks to the SBS pads) and stopping power is ridiculous. I could throw an unsecured object or passenger through the front windshield. 60-0 when stock was 180 feet, 60-0 on my setup (cold) is about 115, given the ability to keep just below full lockup. There are other variables too, as my car is lighter than stock by quite an amount, has lighter wheels and better tires as well.

It's worth it to me, as I not only gained braking ability but lost a significant amount of weight in doing so. However, I don't believe your average DeVille owner will want or need to go out and buy 50 feet of brake line, the fittings, prop valve, etc and yank everything out and do it custom. I do recommend the SBS pads, if you can find them, as they are quite frankly the best I've ever tested.